Dubai’s New Hessa Street Bridge Cuts Travel Time to Just 3 Minutes

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has opened a new bridge on Hessa Street, promising to ease congestion and slash travel times in one of the city’s busiest areas.

The two-lane bridge, which spans 1 kilometer, connects Hessa Street to Al Khail Road and reduces travel time from 15 minutes to just three minutes, according to the RTA. The opening is part of the Dh689 million Hessa Street Development Project, which aims to improve mobility and connectivity across key residential and commercial districts.

Major Infrastructure Milestone

The bridge is just one component of a larger plan that includes the upgrade of four major intersections and the expansion of Hessa Street from two to four lanes in each direction. The improvements will double the road’s capacity, allowing it to handle 16,000 vehicles per hour—a significant increase from the current 8,000.

“This project is a critical step toward enhancing Dubai’s road network and supporting its growing population,” said Mattar Al Tayer, Director General of the RTA. “By 2030, the areas served by Hessa Street are expected to house over 640,000 residents, making these upgrades essential.”

Upgrades Across Four Key Intersections

The project, which is now 54% complete, includes work at four intersections, all scheduled to open by the end of 2025:

• Sheikh Zayed Road Intersection: A two-lane ramp will allow traffic to flow east from Sheikh Zayed Road onto Hessa Street, passing over the Dubai Metro Red Line.
• First Al Khail Road Intersection: The existing bridge will be widened to four lanes in each direction, and the surface-level junction will be improved for smoother traffic flow.
• Al Asayel Street Intersection: Similar to First Al Khail, the bridge will be expanded, and the surface-level intersection upgraded.
• Al Khail Road Intersection: A new two-lane ramp will enable seamless northbound traffic from Hessa Street to Al Khail Road, ensuring better connectivity toward Sharjah.

Cycling and E-Scooter Tracks Add a Green Touch

The project also includes the construction of 13.5 kilometers of cycling and e-scooter tracks, linking Al Sufouh to Dubai Hills through Hessa Street. These tracks aim to promote sustainable travel and improve first- and last-mile connectivity.

Key Features of the Tracks

• Two pedestrian and cycling bridges will cross Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road, each five meters wide.
• The tracks connect to Dubai Internet City Metro Station and nearby commercial hubs.
• They are designed to handle up to 5,200 users per hour, catering to residents and visitors alike.

A Move Toward Smarter Transportation

With this project, the RTA is targeting both immediate and long-term traffic solutions. The upgrades will improve access to key areas like Al Sufouh 2, Al Barsha Residential Area, and Jumeirah Village Circle, while also supporting Dubai’s growing focus on sustainable transport options.

The Hessa Street Development Project, which covers a 4.5-kilometer stretch, represents a broader vision for a connected and efficient Dubai. As the city expands, investments in infrastructure like this are set to keep pace with its rapid growth.

The new bridge is now open to the public, with the full project expected to be completed in late 2025. Residents can look forward to smoother commutes and better connectivity across the city.